FabSwingers.com > Forums > The Lounge > •• Cervical Screening / Smear Test, Part ³ ••
•• Cervical Screening / Smear Test, Part ³ ••
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Lådìes, Nøn-Bínarìes and Persøns of Interest...
Yesterday morning, whilst visiting my GP, I overheard from the distant and acoustically-poor corridor of the health centre that three women were behind on their annual cervical screenings.
I was all too familiar because previously a colleague had also mentioned that she was often late with her reminders, and often slow to react or follow-up on the letter for several reasons: idleness, apathy, hang-ups about her body or just general fear.
Is this common? Do you also feel the same? Are you allowed to take someone with you or be chaperoned during the screening session?
Do you leave it too late? |
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Yes, you are allowed to have someone with you. I was late for mine once years ago and had to go through further treatment on that smear. I know me being late didn't cause it but it was scary enough to make sure I always had them on time after that. Had mine a couple of weeks ago, just waiting on the results. |
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I was late with my last one as we were moving house and changing GP but it's something I do when invited. I've had issues in the past that kind of makes you more keen I think. I wouldn't want to be chaperoned. I had a room full of trainees while I was giving birth with my first. All dignity and nervousness went out the window that very day never to return  |
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ummmm yep always late due to lots of reason, moved area, not in country - last was an absolute nightmare and after a blazing row with the GP and 3 attempts later - errr ill be hard pushed to do another |
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By *ularliWoman 25 weeks ago
Worcester |
I’ve always been for mine and needed treatment for changes of cells.
Having already had cancer I don’t risk missing important appointments.
I do know a lot of women don’t like going or avoid going because they find it embarrassing.
You are allowed to take someone with you if you want too. |
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By *ornycougaWoman 25 weeks ago
NORWAY Wherever I lay my hat |
I've posted on this topic before to try to raise awareness. I ignored reminders for 22 years: too busy at work, inconvenient location to go for test etc etc. Lame excuses. When I finally went I had an abnormal smear. A biopsy followed. Was told I was OK. Then told that the extent of my pre-cancerous cells warranted immediate removal. Had an LLETZ two weeks ago. All is looking good but I cannot stress how important it is that all women get tested when prompted. Don't me a feckin stupid muppet like me. |
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I never leave it late and have been know to call my GP if I think it's been a bit too long since my last one.
I'm not self conscious and don't find the procedure uncomfortable.
I am also well aware of the importance of screening. |
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I've always had mine on time - or at least as on time as my GP surgery can actually do them. I had pre-cancerous cells found in my 30s and was treated straight away. I would never have known if I hadn't gone for the screening.
Thankfully there's been no recurrence but I will always make the appointment as soon as the reminder comes through to be on the safe side! |
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I lost a friend to cervical cancer when we were 19. She wasn’t old enough for routine screenings so it wasn’t spotted and the symptoms were put down to puberty. I always make a point of going and will always encourage other women to go. |
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"I'm on time. Maybe I'm unusual but it doesn't really bother me. Although I'm always unsure whether to leave my socks on.  
J"
I had knee high, fluffy socks on for my last one. I was freezing and left them on |
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It is common, a friend of mine who is extremely frank and open about such things has two daughters in their late twenties who refuse to go for theirs.
I used got to promptly but they don't offer them to women of my age |
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Far too much of an important test to ignore/put off/delay. Mine are always scheduled in the summer so I can get away with skirt and sandals so only have to take knickers off, I book mine as soon as I get the reminder letter |
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"I'm on time. Maybe I'm unusual but it doesn't really bother me. Although I'm always unsure whether to leave my socks on.
J
Socks stay on to ensure a speedier exit!"
I usually go skirt and flip flops to avoid the dilemma. It feels so weird to have no pants on with socks.
J |
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"I'm on time. Maybe I'm unusual but it doesn't really bother me. Although I'm always unsure whether to leave my socks on.
J
Socks stay on to ensure a speedier exit!
I usually go skirt and flip flops to avoid the dilemma. It feels so weird to have no pants on with socks.
J"
Yep don't do what I did once adverse boots and tights |
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I'm well overdue life has kinder got in the way over the last 12/18 months but to be fair I did hgo once and waited about a month for the results when I phoned up they said the smear test had gone missing |
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By *ookie46Woman 25 weeks ago
Deepest darkest Peru |
Had another colposcopy last week my sixth in five years, it was inadequate as hardly any cervix left to examine
Case now going to a MDT meeting in early July then I’ll hear from hospital again |
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By *emidemiWoman 25 weeks ago
basingstoke |
When I first got my letter 3 years ago, I kept putting it off. Had it done last year and didn’t take a chaperone but the woman was so incredibly kind and patient, and held my hand while I had a breakdown after it happened.
I’m not due again for a while, but I’ll still definitely try my best to get it done |
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By *elloWoman 25 weeks ago
alpha centauri |
I had to have a yearly check after having pre-cancer cells removed so couldn't delay having the test. Now I'm back to every 3 years I will delay by upto a month so I can fit it into my diary.
Never taken a chaperone with me, always enjoy chatting to the nurse, last time I went the nurse said I had a pretty cervix because when you've had treatment and had part of cervix removed and cauterized it's nice and smooth in there  |
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"last time I went the nurse said I had a pretty cervix because when you've had treatment and had part of cervix removed and cauterized it's nice and smooth in there "
Not to play Topps Trumps or anything, but aside from ablation surgery, I was told by the nurse I have a "tilted cervix", which might account for the really intense sensation guys get in there.  |
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By (user no longer on site) 25 weeks ago
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I was late for my last one but thankfully all clear. Usually I am on time and along with IUD fittings it is not pleasant but so important...
Ladies don't forget or put it off. |
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Something you can’t say in regular company, anyone else find it physically pleasant? Same with transvaginal scans?
Colposcopies with a biopsy and anything iud related, unpleasant, but now they have plastic speculum for smears and not the awful metal ones I have to focus on not showing signs that I’m getting turned on |
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By *elloWoman 25 weeks ago
alpha centauri |
"Something you can’t say in regular company, anyone else find it physically pleasant? Same with transvaginal scans?
Colposcopies with a biopsy and anything iud related, unpleasant, but now they have plastic speculum for smears and not the awful metal ones I have to focus on not showing signs that I’m getting turned on "
Don't find it a complete turn on but there's something about it, I enjoy the chit chat, and the medical play fantasies might surface in my mind |
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"Something you can’t say in regular company, anyone else find it physically pleasant? Same with transvaginal scans?
Colposcopies with a biopsy and anything iud related, unpleasant, but now they have plastic speculum for smears and not the awful metal ones I have to focus on not showing signs that I’m getting turned on
Don't find it a complete turn on but there's something about it, I enjoy the chit chat, and the medical play fantasies might surface in my mind "
Yeah I have strong medical fantasies after a pair of student drs tried to give me an unnecessary breast exam when I was a teenager in hospital. Turning trauma into kink is fairly standard, right? |
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By *nnCeeWoman 25 weeks ago
East of Eden, West of Hell |
Have always booked pretty much as soon as I could once I'd received the invitation letter.
I can't remember the last time I went, which must mean I'm due for one pretty soon.
I might drop the surgery an email (if such things exist at the one I go to) to see... or just pick up the phone...
I don't relish the idea, but also don't really give a monkeys about having it done. The nurse does goodness knows how many, so it's never the first foof she's been poking at, I'm sure mine is very much the same as all the others, and it's a medical procedure, not sexy time. |
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Don't let life get in the way get it done ladies. I've just got over cervical cancer that was luckily picked up in the early stages from a regular routine smear. Thank god I didn't put off having it done or it could have been a whole lot worse than having to have a hysterectomy |
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By *aseylee324Couple 25 weeks ago
Valley of Squinting Windows |
I find smears very uncomfortable, not helped by unpleasant gynecological experiences in the past, but I never delay them. I don't particularly care about medical staff peering into me, I've given birth 3 times.
I was pretty shocked recently when a friend expressed surprise that she was still supposed to be having them (she's 58) |
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"Something you can’t say in regular company, anyone else find it physically pleasant? Same with transvaginal scans?
Colposcopies with a biopsy and anything iud related, unpleasant, but now they have plastic speculum for smears and not the awful metal ones I have to focus on not showing signs that I’m getting turned on
Don't find it a complete turn on but there's something about it, I enjoy the chit chat, and the medical play fantasies might surface in my mind
Yeah I have strong medical fantasies after a pair of student drs tried to give me an unnecessary breast exam when I was a teenager in hospital. Turning trauma into kink is fairly standard, right? "
Standard no ,happens yes .
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By *hoirCouple 25 weeks ago
Clacton/Bury St. Edmunds |
I don't give 2 shits about the nurse getting all up in my business, having had 3 kids come out of there and considering this lifestyle that's the last thing I care about.
Life, however, has many other ideas about what I can or can't do. Today alone I had 3 different appointments for my family. I get pushed to the bottom of the pile
P |
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I was late this time but only because I knew I had an appointment with gynae coming up so thought I may as well get all the up in my hoo ha done all in one go rather than multiple appointments. Nor Sally book asap when I get the letter as there's a strong history of female cancers in my family.
Tinder |
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"Yes, you are allowed to have someone with you. I was late for mine once years ago and had to go through further treatment on that smear. I know me being late didn't cause it but it was scary enough to make sure I always had them on time after that. Had mine a couple of weeks ago, just waiting on the results. "
Yeah I have to go for a follow up. I'm not worried the chances of it being the big c are small and treatment usually easy. But they are not fun. |
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"When I first got my letter 3 years ago, I kept putting it off. Had it done last year and didn’t take a chaperone but the woman was so incredibly kind and patient, and held my hand while I had a breakdown after it happened.
I’m not due again for a while, but I’ll still definitely try my best to get it done"
•
Was your breakdown due to the (uncomfortable/painful) procedure or due to nervousness? |
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By *eliWoman 25 weeks ago
. |
I did before. And now I've lost several dear friends to cancer and say fuck it. Is it the most pleasant of experiences? No. I listen to music during it, make sure a smaller speculum is used and remember that there's spotting and cramping after (for me).
The way I see it is I've put up with crappy sex for longer than a minute and that didn't really potentially save my life. If I've found time for that in the past, I can find time now for my smear. |
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Let’s also mention for gents… check your “nuts” and men of a certain age get your prostate checked - make sure the doc uses two fingers if you need a second opinion! I just had a mate who was given the all clear for prostate cancer… so be safe! |
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By (user no longer on site) 25 weeks ago
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I had a smear when I was 21 for one of my chronic illnesses and it wasn’t fun at all (tilted uterus probs) and the funniest part of it was me moving and the speculum flying out lol |
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By *nnCeeWoman 25 weeks ago
East of Eden, West of Hell |
"I can't remember the last time I went, which must mean I'm due for one pretty soon.
I might drop the surgery an email (if such things exist at the one I go to) to see... or just pick up the phone...
"
Checked back in my phone's diary, and turns out my last appointment was September 2022, so I've over a year to go until the next one.
I also echo the checking your nuts boys, as well as everyone checking their chests for breast cancer (it's rare, but it can affect those with YY chromosomes too!) |
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"I had a smear when I was 21 for one of my chronic illnesses and it wasn’t fun at all (tilted uterus probs) and the funniest part of it was me moving and the speculum flying out lol "
Ive had that, flew passed the drs face as she shouted, “oh my god!”. Asking them to use a longer speculum has stopped it. |
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By (user no longer on site) 24 weeks ago
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Having had various complications & treatments at one point that lasted years & included many annual smears when I younger, I was quick to follow up when eligible to be invited. They are unpleasant but the concequences of not going can be really scary. |
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I heard on the radio this morning that one in three women do not get tested. However, although it will take some years for trials to be completed, there is some improvement on the horizon. Obviously there is a HPV vaccination now, absolutely wonderful news for the kids but for adults, a young lady who had a distressing first experience but happened to be an engineering studying, has designed a device to help. No appointment needed, test done at home, results in 15 minutes. |
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I put off having my first one for years as I was shy/embarrassed. Finally did it and it was fine. Have since had an IUD inserted and various other things which made the smear seem like a breeze so it's less of a frightening thing now.
I just remind myself the nurse has seen hundreds of vaginas, she's probably thinking about what to have for tea and it only takes a couple of mins max. Mine is due again around November time I think. It doesn't half come around quickly. |
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"I heard on the radio this morning that one in three women do not get tested. However, although it will take some years for trials to be completed, there is some improvement on the horizon. Obviously there is a HPV vaccination now, absolutely wonderful news for the kids but for adults, a young lady who had a distressing first experience but happened to be an engineering studying, has designed a device to help. No appointment needed, test done at home, results in 15 minutes."
·
Thank you for this dear fellow.  |
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Id just like to add to this. Ive never missed a smear test nor have i ever had hpv or abnormal results until recently. 2 years ago i had my smear. Came back that hpv was present but no abnormal cells and to come back in 12 months for a further smear. So 1 year later i had my smear. Results were hpv was still present and ive had cell changes so i was called in for a colposcopy. I had my appt yesterday (16th july) and they took 2 biopsies. It wasnt pleasant but this could save my life. Im now waiting anxiously for my results.
Ladies, smear tests are not a joke. Do not miss them or delay them. They could save your life. |
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Many years ago I happened to be the person who picked up the phone when my sister called in tears to tell us she had been diagnosed with cervical cancer.
I had always have my smears, always on time, always negative for HPV.
It’s 5 minutes and I never found them uncomfortable, just another medical procedure.
I’m also vaccinated. |
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"I'm still over due
I've tried once to get an appointment but all the nurses were busy and I have tried again.
It's so painful, I can't bare the thought  "
Do you have a trusted person who might be able to go with you and offer support? |
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"I'm still over due
I've tried once to get an appointment but all the nurses were busy and I have tried again.
It's so painful, I can't bare the thought "
If you take some painkillers before you got it may help, also ask them to use loads of lube and explain to them when you book that you find in uncomfortable and painful and then again when you attend for the appointment.
Hopefully they will be able to help you relax a little.
It is uncomfortable but it shouldnt really be painful so do mention this to them x |
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Less worried about this than I probably should be. I'm up to date, but I'm less worried because I had three Gardasil shots when I was sexually inexperienced, and I know they're good for at least 30 years. |
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By *ornycougaWoman 15 weeks ago
NORWAY Wherever I lay my hat |
"I'm still over due
I've tried once to get an appointment but all the nurses were busy and I have tried again.
It's so painful, I can't bare the thought "
Aw Tess please bite the bullet and go. It's not pleasant but in my experience the nurses are absolute angels and will do everything to put you at ease, take your mind off it whilst it's happening and be as gentle as they can. It's worth the temporary discomfort for the peace of mind it brings x |
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By *aizyWoman 15 weeks ago
west midlands |
"I'm still over due
I've tried once to get an appointment but all the nurses were busy and I have tried again.
It's so painful, I can't bare the thought "
I'm the same Tess, I was actually in tears once it hurt so much, there is a fantastic nurse at my surgery though who actually listened and understood me when I explained to her how much it hurts when I have them, I always book in with her now when I have to have them. |
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"Id just like to add to this. Ive never missed a smear test nor have i ever had hpv or abnormal results until recently. 2 years ago i had my smear. Came back that hpv was present but no abnormal cells and to come back in 12 months for a further smear. So 1 year later i had my smear. Results were hpv was still present and ive had cell changes so i was called in for a colposcopy. I had my appt yesterday (16th july) and they took 2 biopsies. It wasnt pleasant but this could save my life. Im now waiting anxiously for my results.
Ladies, smear tests are not a joke. Do not miss them or delay them. They could save your life."
I can remember you posting and asking for info x
Hopefully your results have come back and all is well x
Also for anyone else who has recently had any tests and was waiting for results, I hope they are all coming back “safe” x |
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"Id just like to add to this. Ive never missed a smear test nor have i ever had hpv or abnormal results until recently. 2 years ago i had my smear. Came back that hpv was present but no abnormal cells and to come back in 12 months for a further smear. So 1 year later i had my smear. Results were hpv was still present and ive had cell changes so i was called in for a colposcopy. I had my appt yesterday (16th july) and they took 2 biopsies. It wasnt pleasant but this could save my life. Im now waiting anxiously for my results.
Ladies, smear tests are not a joke. Do not miss them or delay them. They could save your life.
I can remember you posting and asking for info x
Hopefully your results have come back and all is well x
Also for anyone else who has recently had any tests and was waiting for results, I hope they are all coming back “safe” x "
Yes i did thank you for your kind words x |
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"Id just like to add to this. Ive never missed a smear test nor have i ever had hpv or abnormal results until recently. 2 years ago i had my smear. Came back that hpv was present but no abnormal cells and to come back in 12 months for a further smear. So 1 year later i had my smear. Results were hpv was still present and ive had cell changes so i was called in for a colposcopy. I had my appt yesterday (16th july) and they took 2 biopsies. It wasnt pleasant but this could save my life. Im now waiting anxiously for my results.
Ladies, smear tests are not a joke. Do not miss them or delay them. They could save your life."
I'm having the letter treatment in a few weeks, always have my snears done in time, had the colpscopy a few weeks and abnormal cells were found .
Ladies please look after yourselves, if your nervous or uncomfortable just tell the nurse, please get the tests done |
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I went 11 years from 21 to 32 without having one. No particular reason, I guess life just got in the way. I then had to half part of my cervix burnt off (Lletz) due to having high grade pre cancerous cells. My partner lost his mother last month to cervical cancer, she was 48. It's so important to keep on top of it x |
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Too old now for smear tests and mammograms I dont get unless I request them . I am sure you are allowed to have someone with you though never felt the need. Just had a recall to get biopsy done on my vulva as i have LS and they were concerned about skin changes . First time in 4 odd years since anyone rootled around down there sitting gingerly today with stitches  |
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I remember my mum finding it traumatic going for a smear so was unsure about going for my first one aged 19yrs however I was fortunate and still am that I don’t find them too uncomfortable
I understand other people do so please tell them when you book that you’re nervous, they would rather spend extra time with you at the appt than have you not turn up at all |
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Not a smear test but late for a mammogram call , when I went they found Dcis said if I had come earlier they probably wouldnt have found it . 7 weeks later I had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy .
Dont put off your recalls they are important . Keep healthy everyone . |
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"Not a smear test but late for a mammogram call , when I went they found Dcis said if I had come earlier they probably wouldnt have found it . 7 weeks later I had a lumpectomy followed by radiotherapy.
Dont put off your recalls they are important . Keep healthy everyone . "
•
🌸 🌈 |
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Firstly, yes you can take a chaperone but I've never feltvthe need.
I have never missed one and have even chased my GP when I thought it was overdue. Mum mum had abnormal cells detected years ago so am maybe more concerned than others might be. |
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Never missed one, had to have them yearly at one point but I don’t find them too bad luckily but I would never delay having it, so important!!
You can take someone with you although I never did and if you let the nurse know you’re nervous etc then they’re usually even more lovely/gentle!! |
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"Bumping this as a public cervix message. 🩶"
You know what OP, this thread kind of nagged me to go get mine. Had left it far too long and every time this thread popped up it made me feel a bit guilty for not getting it done. Did get it done and all good. So thank you 🙏🏻 |
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I’m not a fan of smears as once my old gp was very heavy handed whilst inserting speculum and it was painful. Although I get slightly anxious at impending tests I always book as soon as a reminder hits my phone and I go. I’m not playing Russian roulette with my life for a few minutes of discomfort. |
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» Add a new message to this topic
Sorry missed the reboot !!
Please ladies go in for your smear !
